What's the story? 7 lessons from Obama speechwriter

'Spin' charges against Leo Varadkar have traction but, in an age of 'alternative' facts, the story can become the substance

President Barack Obama sings 'Amazing Grace' after 2015 shootings in Charleston, South Carolina. Pic: Getty
President Barack Obama sings 'Amazing Grace' after 2015 shootings in Charleston, South Carolina. Pic: Getty

“Spin over substance” isthe voguish verdict on Leo Varadkar’s tenure thus far. But“spin” is simply a derogatory description of the craft of political communications. And, as liberals in the US and UK have learned in recent times, without good communications, there is no substance. One of the masters of that craft was in Ireland recently: Barack Obama’s head speechwriter, Cody ...